Avcılar Municipality

Avcılar Municipality operates with a vision of creating a climate-friendly city by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building an environmentally conscious, sustainable city. The district administration acts with a sense of global responsibility in combating climate change, developing innovative policies and strategies within this framework. As its mission, Avcılar Municipality aims to minimize the impact of climate change on the district's residents by implementing adaptation policies and taking strategic steps. In this direction, the Sustainable Energy Action Plan and Climate Adaptation Plan (SECAP) aim to reduce energy consumption and make the district more resilient to climate risks. This plan, which encourages stakeholder participation and supports capacity building, contributes to Avcılar's vision for a sustainable future. Through local and international collaborations, the municipality aims to lead the fight against climate change by developing environmentally friendly projects, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting energy efficiency.

 Avcılar Municipality operates across a broad range of activities, particularly in the areas of climate action and sustainable energy projects. The primary focus areas of the institution in this context are as follows:

1. Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Avcılar Municipality aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. In line with this goal, various projects and action plans are being implemented in areas such as buildings, energy consumption, transportation, and waste management.
2. Climate Adaptation Strategies: The municipality seeks to build a city resilient to climate change, particularly by developing risk management and adaptation strategies against extreme weather events. Key elements of this strategy include mitigating the urban heat island effect, expanding green spaces, and taking effective steps in water management.
3. Climate Financing: Avcılar Municipality explores national and international funding opportunities to secure the necessary financing for combating climate change and implementing its projects. The focus is particularly on mobilizing funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
4. Use of Renewable Energy: The municipality is committed to increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. It plans to expand the use of alternative energy sources, such as solar energy, and to move away from fossil fuels.
5. Stakeholder Participation and Capacity Building: Avcılar Municipality aims to enhance the effectiveness of climate actions by encouraging the participation of local stakeholders, civil society organizations, universities, and the public. In this process, educational programs, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building projects are prioritized.
6. Climate Risk Management: The institution develops projects that integrate disaster management and urban planning to reduce climate risks such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat. Efforts are underway to make infrastructure systems more resilient to these risks.

Projects Involved:

• ECOLOGICAL PARK FOR CHILDREN: In 2023, we added six new parks to our district, including Istanbul's first training-themed ECOLOGICAL PARK, providing children and young people with a fun and educational environment that connects them with nature. The ecological education park, in particular, opens the doors to a sustainable future for children, designed to raise awareness about nature and enhance environmental literacy. Avcılar is becoming a center that leads the future in education while expanding its green spaces.
• ZERO WASTE DUAL COLLECTION SYSTEM PROJECT: Under the framework of the Zero Waste Regulation, recycling bins have been made available at all waste collection points throughout the district, and a dual collection system has been implemented on streets and avenues. This project aims to reduce waste collection costs while increasing recycling revenues, contributing to the local economy.
• AIR EMISSIONS MEASUREMENT PROJECT: The Air Quality Measurement Device project is an initiative aimed at continuously monitoring the air quality in our surroundings. Within the scope of this project, special air quality measurement devices are placed at strategic locations to collect real-time data on various pollutants in the atmosphere. Air pollution is a serious issue that can lead to diseases harmful to human health, ecosystem degradation, and climate change. Regular monitoring of air emissions allows for the evaluation of the air quality in the district, enabling the development of effective strategies to reduce pollution. By continuously monitoring emissions, the foundation is laid for creating a sustainable environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy healthier lives.